Student Resources - Mobile Device Applications

Apps for Android / Apple iOS

The following list of apps (for phones or tablets) is a combination of solutions specifically with accessibility in mind, as well as every day general use. (We also have a web page dedicated to hardware products, such as CCTVs). Most apps are free. Each app listed features direct links to the Google Play site for Android and / or the Apple App Store for Apple iOS products. (Updated 7/10/24)

NOTETAKING

• Otter - Record and take meeting notes in real time, so you can stay focused on the conversation and rest assured that information and actions are captured, easily searchable, and shareable.
  (FREE; licenses are available for DSPS students! Email tdowrie@chabotcollege.edu for access!).
  Android | Apple iOS   
• Notability -  Easily annotate PDFs, DOCs, PPTs, images, GIFs, and more. Mark up imported textbooks, documents, lecture slides, class assignments, and images. (FREE, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS     
• AudioNote2 - Although not a tradionally considered an app for AT, Google Maps does have a feature that gives detailed voice guidance to visually impaired users. (FREE, Pro version $9.99, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS   

TEXT-TO-SPEECH / E-TEXT

• Natural Reader -  Text-to-speech app that reads text, PDF, webpages, and eBooks aloud to you with quality, natural-sounding voices (FREE, premium features PAID)
  Android | Apple iOS   

• VoiceAloudReader - PDF reader with basic text-to-speech functions. Load PDFs from just about anywhere - cloud storage services such DropBox, iCloud Drive or your phone or tablet. Can open other file types with premium (paid) features. (FREE, premium features PAID)
  Apple iOS (Optimized for iPad) 

VISUAL ASSISTANCE

• tive - With tive, you can instantly connect over live video on-demand to a sign language interpreter anywhere, anytime for anything through your mobile device (FREE app, service may be for pay)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• Seeing AI - Microsoft Seeing AI uses your iPhone/iPad camera to describe objects, scenes, currency, and OCR handwriting, which helps BLV users navigate their environment. (FREE, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS   
• BeMyEyes - This free app lets individuals with low vision or blindness connect with a sighted volunteer and receive real-time feedback for the task at hand. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• Aira Explorer - Aira helps users connect to sighted and trained individuals to get a variety of tasks done. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS   
• TapTapSee - Utilizes the device's camera and voiceover functions to take a picture or video of anything and identify it aloud. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS     
• BlindSquare - BlindSquare is used to navigate unfamiliar areas and identify intersections and points, helping users form a mental map. (PAY - $39.99, Apple iOS only)
  Apple iOS    
• Cash Reader - Cash Reader identifies banknote denominations for the largest number of currencies.
  Point your camera to the money in hand and hear, see or feel its value. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS      
• Google Maps - Although not a tradionally considered an app for AT, Google Maps does have a feature that gives detailed voice guidance to visually impaired users. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS    

MISCELLANEOUS

• Rogervoice - Rogervoice subtitles phone calls. Call anyone, and get a real-time transcription of the conversation. Meet the fastest, most reliable and versatile call captioning app on the market. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS    
• Pen to Print - Pen to Print is the first handwriting to text OCR app converting scanned handwritten notes into digital text available for edits, search and storage in any digital platform. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS     
• iTranslate - iTranslate is the leading free translator / traductor and dictionary app. Easily translate text or start voice-to-voice conversations in over 100 languages. (FREE)
  Android | Apple iOS